How To Help The Orphan Crisis

When we first decided to adopt, I had no idea how controversial the topic of adoption is.  Although some people say, "Good for you," many have other feelings.  People think it is a bad idea to adopt from other countries, people think it is a waste of a lot of time and money, people think that you are contributing to a corrupt system, people think that your choice of countries is bad, and on and on.  I can find articles and blogs all over the internet talking about how great adoption is and how terrible it is.  However, I bet that a child in the U.S. foster care system doesn't really care about the controversy, I bet a child in an orphanage in China doesn't care about the paperwork it takes to adopt, I bet a hungry child in Africa isn't thinking about the debate of red tape.  They just want to be part of a family who cares for them and protects and guides them.  

So, what to do in the midst of controversy?  I don't know.  That's the real answer.  Everyone has to decide for themselves-pray about it, research, read up, ask questions, but just don't ignore it because it is controversial.  We have prayed about our decisions and God has moved us in different ways since we started this process.  There are so many ways that you can help children who need it.  Our foster care system in St. Louis has wonderful programs to support kids in foster care system.  I just found an organization this weekend that takes care of kids in Uganda and fosters them and they were doing an online auction because they had just received 40 new children from an orphanage that had shut down.  Everyone can find child sponsorship programs that help feed children all over the world to donate to and even start a relationship with a child.  Feel called towards adoption, but not ready to do it yourself?  Check out etsy and look at all of the wonderful things people are making and selling to support their adoptions.  Take a mission trip-it will change your life.  There are so many ways to become part of the help. 

I don't know what is the answer.  There are corrupt systems.  There are not enough programs to support people in poverty.  There is way too much red tape for adoption.  There are not enough programs to prevent poverty and corruption and provide education and support.  Children are starving, dying, living in conditions we would not even fathom, growing up thinking no one in the world cares about them, they are being used and neglected and abused.  The first step really is to just make yourself think about them.  It is not pleasant, but you can't help but care when you put faces to the issues and put feelings to the faces.  These children are part of our world and they will be the adults of the future. 

OH, and if you don't know where to start or can't find a charity that you love, ask me and I would absolutely love to help you find something you are passionate about.  :)

"If you say, "But we knew nothing about this," does not he who weighs the heart perceive it?  Does not he who guards your life know it?  Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?"
Proverbs 24:12